Brian Flinn, WR Coach/Passing Game Coordinator, Princeton
Coach Flinn’s entire Glazier Drive video: 4 Vertical Pass Game out of the Spread
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Core Concept
The vertical choice concept gives receivers freedom to read the defense and adjust their routes based on coverage, while quarterbacks can read from boundary to field or field to boundary depending on the defensive look.
Key Route Rules
- Uncapped Space: If no defender is over the top (usually in man coverage):
- Receivers accelerate to 10 yards, then read vertical space
- Hold the bottom of the numbers if uncapped
- Stack the defender when possible
- Create maximum throwing space for the quarterback
- Capped Space: If a defender is over the top:
- Receivers accelerate to 10 yards, read coverage
- Outside receivers come back down their stem at 15 yards
- Slot receivers come back at 12 yards or wrap inside
- Formation Adjustments:
- In 3×1 formations, #1 runs a sail route, climbing to 25-30 yards
- Single receivers can reduce their split for more working space
Quarterback Reads
- Quarterbacks have the freedom to read boundary-to-field or field-to-boundary
- They identify uncapped vs. capped spaces to determine targets
- Back shoulder throws become available when receivers are “losing” uncapped space battles
Strategic Applications
- Against Cover 1: Focus on outside throws to uncapped space
- Against Cover 3: Expect two retraces, read seam to seam
- Against Cover 2: Outside receivers release, slot receivers match up against nickel
- Against Cover 4: Reads depend on depth and leverage
- In late-game situations, it provides access to throws when defenders play off coverage
The concept essentially functions as four option routes that give the offense flexibility against various coverages while maintaining the ability to attack vertically when advantageous matchups exist.